Officials to discuss superintendent search Tuesday

The Newton County Board of Education will discuss the process of beginning a search for a new superintendent at Tuesday's combined work session and meeting.

Current Superintendent Gary Mathews announced late last month that he planned to retire on June 30. The board has three options for a search: they can search (1) internally, (2) through the Griffin Regional Educational Service Agency or (3) through the Georgia School Board Association. In the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, there is a scheduled presentation by the GSBA regarding the search.

In a previous story, board Chairman Eddie Johnson said the board would not know what direction they would take in the search until the meeting on the 18th.

"That meeting is open to an array of things and we'll decide at that meeting the direction things will be taking. We'll see how the board members feel about the different recommendations and concerns of others," Johnson said previously.Also in a previous story, Mathews addressed his decision to leave the NCSS after three years as superintendent.

"As my twin grandsons Luke and Ethan, consume much of my attention these days, and as my 83-year-old father and 87-year-old mother-in-law continue to age, it is time for me to reprioritize. Simply put, at age 60 in May, and after 38 years in public education inclusive of my 21 years in the superintendency, I want to spent much more time with loved ones, including my five grown children," he said. "As far as working with a new superintendent, that all depends upon the timeline for securing a new superintendent finally agreed-upon by the Board of Education. The sooner, I would say, the better opportunity we have for a smooth transition."

Although any personnel decisions are discussed in executive session, which happens prior to the board meetings, the process of the search will be discussed in open session, which is open to the public.

Anyone wishing to attend the meeting can do so. It begins at 7 p.m. at the central office, located at 2109 Newton Drive NE next to Homer Sharp Stadium. Those wishing to speak, can sign up to do so prior to the meeting.